ES2462757T3 - Tray to accommodate splices between optical fibers - Google Patents

Abstract

A tray (T) for accommodating fiber optic splices comprising a splice retention area (A1) comprising a plurality of splice retention elements; wherein said plurality of splice retention elements is arranged according to a two-dimensional arrangement comprising at least a first column (C1) and a second column (C2), wherein: - said first column (C1) comprises a plurality of first retention elements (SH11-SH81) for adjacent splices and a first path (FP11, FP21) for passage of fibers adjacent to said plurality of retention elements (SH11-SH81) for adjacent splices, and suitable for housing lengths of a plurality of first optical fibers (F3-F6, F11-F14) to surround said first column (C1); -said second column (C2) comprises a plurality of second splice retention elements (SH12 -SH82) and a second passageway (FP12, FP22, FP32) of fibers adjacent to said plurality of second retention elements (SH12 -SH82 ) adjacent splice and suitable for accommodating lengths of a plurality of second optical fibers (F1-F2, F7-F10, F15-F16) to surround said second column (C2); characterized in that said splice retention area (A1) further comprises at least one divider (D1, D2, D3, D4) interposed between said first column (C1) and said second column (C2), said at least one divider (D1 , 2, D3, D4) arranged to divide an area between said first column (C1) and said second column (C2) into at least a first funnel-shaped portion and a second funnel-shaped portion, said first not being superimposed funnel-shaped portion and said second funnel-shaped portion, said first funnel-shaped portion presenting an opening facing said first passageway (FP11, FP21) of fibers and an opening facing said plurality of second retaining elements (SH12 -SH82) of adjacent splice, and said second funnel-shaped portion presenting an opening facing said second passageway (FP12, FP22, FP32) of fibers and a mouth facing said plurality of first elements of retention (SH11-SH21) of adjacent splice.

Description

Tray to accommodate splices between optical fibers

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of fiber optic network installation. In particular, the present invention relates to a tray configured to accommodate splices between optical fibers, and to an optical transition box comprising said tray.

Background Technique

In the field of optical communication networks, the expression “Fiber up to x” [“Fiber-to-x”] (“FTTx”) is used to designate a network architecture that makes use of optical fibers. In particular, the expression "Fiber to the Establishment" ["FTTP") designates the portion of the optical communication network that reaches the establishment (home, offices and the like) of the user terminal.

Splice boxes are generally used to accommodate splices and fiber connectors to make it possible to connect the fibers from an input cable to the fibers used within a building.

The installation of an optical fiber network typically requires the extraction of optical fiber lengths from the optical fiber cables and the splicing of these optical fiber lengths together. As an alternative to extraction, the sheath of the fiber optic cable can be removed (for example, a few meters) and an element of the fiber optic cable can be cut, thereby releasing a length of the optical fibers housed inside . The splices can be implanted as fusion splices (typically covered by splice protectors) or by mechanical splices.

The lengths of optical fibers extracted or released with their splices are then usually arranged in appropriate trays.

EP 1 377 862 discloses an optical fiber organizer comprising a base tray and a main tray articulated with the base tray. The (second) surface of the main tray is provided with optical splice retaining elements in which the optical fibers can be accommodated, and an islet around which the overstretched fiber can be wound.

WO 2008/059187 discloses a splice box that includes an insert that in turn includes a splice container for conducting, splicing and storing fibers. The splice container includes a fiber guide element and splice enclosures that house and store the splice joints. The splice vessel has a substantially elliptical shape composed of two straight sides connected by two arches. The splice enclosures are arranged along one of the straight sides of the splice vessel. The splice container is arranged so that the straight sides of the splice vessel (or in other words the splice enclosures) are arranged at an acute angle θ with respect to the left hand side wall of the box.

US 2008/0205844 discloses a splice tray having a base and a cover rotatably fixed to the base. The splice tray includes a plurality of splice retaining elements attached to the base of the splice tray and adapted to selectively receive a splice. The splice tray further includes an optical fiber conduction device disposed on the inner surface of the splice tray cover.

The Applicant has perceived that the prior art known trays for accommodating splices between optical fibers have some drawbacks.

With respect to the tray of document US 2008/0205844, it has the disadvantage that it is a two-layer tray in which the retaining elements of the splices are arranged in a first layer (this is the base of the tray) and the Optical fiber conduction device is arranged in a second layer (that is, the tray cover). Consequently, this tray has the disadvantage of being bulky. Likewise, special care should be taken when the lengths of the optical fibers are arranged in the conduction device of the optical fibers, to prevent said lengths from being perforated between the base and the cover or that said lengths are bent within a radius of bending too short when the cover is rotated to be closed on the base.

As for the trays of WO 2008/059187 and EP 1 377 862, the retaining elements of the splices and the device for arranging the excess length of the optical splicing fibers are both arranged in the same layer, this It is on a tray surface. Such trays, therefore, are thinner than the tray of US 2008/0205844. However, a small number of splice retention elements may be disposed in a non-advantageous manner in the trays of WO 2008/059187 and EP 1 377 862. Indeed, while in the document tray

US 2008/0205844 the retaining elements of the joints can occupy the base surface over its entire width, in the trays of WO 2008/059187 and EP 1 377 862 only a portion of the surface of the tray can be used for the retaining elements of the joints. In fact, only a portion of the surface is reserved for arranging the excess length of the optical splice fibers.

In particular, the Applicant faced the problem of providing a tray to accommodate splices between optical fibers that solved the exposed inconveniences, in which the splices and the excess length of the spliced optical fibers could be arranged on the same surface of the tray (this is, the tray outside a single layer) and in which the surface area of the tray dedicated to housing splices was exploited more efficiently compared to the trays of WO 2008/059187 and EP 1 377

862

On the one hand, this would allow increasing the number of splices that can be housed in the tray while keeping the tray size constant. On the other hand, this would reduce the size of the tray while maintaining the number of splices that can be housed inside.

Both effects are particularly desirable when the tray is used to install an FTTP or FTTX network. In the present application, in effect, the optical transition boxes must fulfill both aesthetic requirements and very strict size requirements. Likewise, the number of users requesting services for the FTTP and FTTX networks is increasing. Therefore, compact optical transition boxes that house a large number of splices are needed.

The Applicant has warned that a more efficient exploitation of the surface area of the tray dedicated to housing splices can be obtained by arranging a plurality of splice retention elements according to a two-dimensional arrangement comprising at least two columns of splice retention elements.

However, the Applicant has warned that, in said two-dimensional arrangement, the overlap between optical fibers is likely to occur. This overlap can adversely affect the accessibility of the lengths of optical fibers and their splices housed in the tray. In fact, if two lengths of optical fibers overlap, access to the length of optical fiber located below and its splicing is blocked by the length of optical fiber deposited above. In addition, the overlap disadvantageously induces friction between the lengths of optical fibers, friction that disadvantageously increases the losses of microflexions and wear of the optical fiber lengths involved. Overlap, therefore, should be avoided.

Document US 5 420 957 discloses a splice tray comprising a splice retaining element having a first row of channels and a second row of channels, each channel being able to retain a single splice. A plurality of rigid through channels are arranged which alternate with the splice retention channels. In particular, a splice retention channel is formed on both sides of each through channel. When a fiber is introduced through a pass channel, it is firmly retained within it by means of grooves formed, as needed, in the retaining means arranged on both sides of the through channel.

US 5 572 617 discloses a retaining element for splices comprising two comb-like sections between which a flat free area extends over the entire width of the retaining element. Each comb-type section is composed of bands arranged in parallel with respect to the longitudinal geometric axis of the retaining element for joints. Between each two bands a groove is formed into which the fiberglass is inserted along with the splice protection. Semicircular depressions are arranged on the lower side of the retention element forming channels through which the switching wires can individually pass under the retention element.

WO 2009/131895 discloses a tray with two splice regions disposed on opposite sides of the tray.

Document US 5 420 956 discloses an envelope for passive optical components, which incorporates receiving portions for couplers and splices, the receiving portion for the splices presenting guide grooves for receiving the splices. A fiber guide channel is disposed between the last guide groove and the side wall of the shell.

Summary of the invention

The Applicant has warned that, in the two-dimensional arrangement mentioned above of splice retaining elements and comprising at least two columns, overlap of optical fibers can be avoided by incorporating at least one fiber passageway in each column. In this way, the lengths of optical fibers with their splices housed in splice retention elements located in a column can run through the passageways of the other column (s), so that they can , advantageously, surround the other (s)

column (s) without overlapping with other lengths of optical fibers with splices housed in this other column (s).

Therefore, advantageously, the surface area of the tray dedicated to housing splices is exploited more efficiently compared to the two trays of WO 2008/059187 and EP 1 377 862, thereby making it possible to arrange of a larger number of splices or, alternatively, reduce the size of this area.

For example, if N is the maximum number of splice retention elements that can be arranged on a single column when the area of the surface of the tray dedicated to housing the splices has a certain width, the provision of M columns of elements of splice retention allows, advantageously, to increase the number of splice retention elements from N to N x M. The distribution in two of the N splice retention elements in M columns makes it possible to advantageously reduce the width of the area by one factor M.

In addition, the more efficient operation of the area dedicated to housing splices makes it possible to advantageously place this area and the area dedicated to disposing the remaining length of the spliced optical fibers on the same surface of the tray, without increasing the size of the tray. This makes it possible to advantageously incorporate a single layer tray, which is therefore much more compact than the tray of US 2008/0205844.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a tray for accommodating splices of optical fibers, the tray comprising a splice retention area comprising a plurality of splice retaining elements, wherein the plurality of splice retention elements splices are arranged in accordance with a two-dimensional arrangement comprising at least a first column and a second column, in which:

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the first column comprises a plurality of first retaining elements of adjacent splices and a first passageway of the fibers adjacent to the plurality of the first retaining elements of adjacent splices and suitable to accommodate the lengths of a plurality of first optical fibers for surrounding the first column;

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the second column comprises a plurality of second splice retention elements

adjacent and a second fiber passageway suitable to accommodate lengths of a plurality of

second optical fibers to surround the second column;

characterized in that the splice retention area also comprises at least one divider interposed between the first column and the second column, the at least one divider being arranged to divide an area between the first column and the second column into at least a portion with funnel shape and a second funnel-shaped portion, without overlapping the first funnel-shaped portion and the second funnel-shaped portion, said first funnel-shaped portion having an opening facing the first passageway of fibers and a mouth facing the plurality of the second adjacent splice retention elements and the second funnel-shaped portion having an opening facing the second fiber passageway and a mouth facing the plurality of the first retention elements of adjacent joints.

Preferably, the at least a first fiber passageway and the at least a second fiber passageway are three-way.

According to a first embodiment, the first column comprises two first fiber passageways located in intermediate positions along the first column, and the second column comprises three second fiber pathways located at a first end, in the center and at a second end of the second column, respectively.

According to a second embodiment, the first column comprises a first fiber passageway located in the center of the first column, and the second column comprises two second fiber pathways located at opposite ends of the second column. .

According to a third embodiment, the first column comprises a first fiber passageway located at one end of the first column, and the second column comprises a second fiber passageway located at an opposite end of the second column. .

Preferably, the first column and the second column are located at a reciprocal distance, so that the paths followed by the at least one first optical fiber and the at least one second optical fiber have a minimum bending radius greater than or equal to a minimum predefined bending radius.

Preferably, the splice retention area also includes guide projections arranged between the first column and the second column.

Preferably, the tray comprises a surface, the surface comprising the splice retention area and a fiber winding area.

Preferably, the splice retention area and the fiber winding area are adjacent non-overlapping areas divided by a dividing line substantially parallel to a surface length.

Preferably, the outer guide channels encompass the splice retention area and the fiber winding area.

Advantageously, the outer guide channels have at least one separation and fixing comb.

Preferably, the fiber winding area has internal guide channels.

Preferably, the tray also comprises at least one articulation configured to fix the tray to a base of an optical transition box, and to allow rotation of the tray between a first position, in which, at least partially it covers the base and a second position in which it allows free access to the base.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an optical transition box comprising a base, a cover and an articulated tray with the base and configured to rotate between a first position in which at least partially cover the base and a second position in which it allows free access to the base, the optical transition box being characterized in that the tray is arranged as defined in the previous lines.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will be fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description, given by way of example and not limitation, taken into consideration with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

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Figure 1 shows a plan view of a tray to accommodate splices between optical fibers, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

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Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the tray of Figure 1;

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Figures 3a and 3b are enlarged views of portions of the tray of Figure 1;

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Figure 4 schematically shows how splices between optical fibers can be arranged in the tray of Figure 1; Y

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Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an arrangement of splice retaining elements for a tray according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3a and 3b, a tray T for housing splices between optical fibers in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The tray T preferably comprises joints configured to fix the tray T to a base of an optical transition box, and to enable the tray T to rotate between a first position in which, at least partially, it covers the base in a position where it allows free access to the base.

The tray T also preferably comprises a surface S having a substantially rectangular configuration with rounded corners. The surface S preferably has a length L between 100 mm and 300 mm, more preferably equal to 200 mm. In addition, the surface S preferably has a width W between 114 mm and 154 mm, more preferably equal to 134 mm. The tray T is preferably made of a single piece of injection molded plastic (ABS FR) with the various components formed (as will be described hereinafter) on the surface S.

The surface S preferably has external guide channels, GC-OUT, which run in close proximity to the periphery of the surface S, within which the lengths of optical fibers from the base of the box can be arranged Optical transition The external guide channels, CG-OUT, preferably have separation and fixing combs, SC, suitable for properly fixing the optical fiber buffers, separating the lengths of optical fibers from the underlying base and preventing their overlap.

The surface portion S encompassed within the external guide channels, GC-OUT, is preferably divided into a splice retention area A1 and a fiber winding area A2. A1 retention area

of splices and the fiber winding area A2 are preferably non-overlapping adjacent areas, and their dividing line, preferably, is substantially parallel to the length of the surface S.

The fiber winding area A2 preferably has internal guide channels, GC-IN, which run adjacent to the external guide channels, GC-OUT, where the lengths of optical fibers from the A1 area of splices of tray T.

The external guide channels, GC-OUT, and the internal guide channels, GC-IN, preferably have straight portions and curved portions. The curved portions preferably have a bending radius equal to or greater than a predefined minimum bending radius. The predefined minimum bending radius depends on the type of optical fibers intended to be arranged in the tray T and, preferably, is equal to 20 mm. The external guide channels, GC-OUT, and the internal guide channels, GC-IN, preferably have retention tabs, RT, suitable for retaining the lengths of optical fibers arranged in the external guide channels, GC-OUT, and in the internal guide channels, GC-IN.

The splice retention area A1 preferably has a plurality of splice retention elements arranged in accordance with a two-dimensional arrangement comprising at least two columns.

By way of example, in the tray T according to the first embodiment of the present invention, sixteen splice retaining elements SH11 -SH81 and SH12 -SH82 are arranged, in accordance with a two-dimensional arrangement comprising a first column C1 and a second column C2. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, eight SH11 -SH81 splice retaining elements are arranged in a first column C1, while eight SH12 -SH82 splicing elements are arranged in a second column C2. The distance between consecutive columns is preferably chosen so that the path followed by an optical fiber between two consecutive columns has a greater minimum bending radius.

or equal to the predefined minimum bending radius indicated above. For example, the distance between consecutive columns can be equal to or greater than 25 mm. Each splice retaining element SH11 -SH81, SH12 -SH82 preferably has a width of 4 mm and a length of 45 mm. The splice retention area A1 preferably has a width between 45 mm and 65 mm, more preferably equal to 55 mm. Likewise, the splice retention area A1 preferably has a length between 100 mm and 140 mm, more preferably equal to 120 mm.

In Figure 4, the splice retaining elements of each column are aligned along its length, to form a column with a straight geometric axis parallel to the width of the tray. However, this is not limiting. For example, the splice retaining elements of a column may be partially not aligned along its length, to form a column with a straight geometric axis arranged at an acute angle with respect to the width of the tray. Alternatively, the splice retaining elements of a column may be partially not aligned along its length to form a column with a wavy geometric axis.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the splice retention area A1 also comprises at least one fiber passageway disposed in each column. By way of example, as can be seen in Figure 2, in the tray T according to the first embodiment of the present invention, two fiber passageways, FP11, FP21 are arranged in the first column C1, while that three pathways, FP12, FP22, FP32 are arranged in the second column C2.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the passageway (s) of each column is arranged in symmetrical positions along the column. Likewise, the path (s) of passage arranged (s) in consecutive columns are three-way. As an example, as can be seen in Figure 2, in the first column C1, the fiber path FP11 is located in intermediate symmetrical positions (that is, neither in the center, nor the end of the column) between the retaining elements SH21 and SH31 of splices, while the fiber path FP21 is located between retaining elements SH61 and SH71 of splices. In addition, in the second column C2, the fiber path FP12 and FP32 are located outside the splice retaining elements at the ends of the second column C2, while the fiber path FP22 is located in the center of the second column (that is, between the retaining elements SH42 and SH52 of splices).

The splice retention area A1 also preferably comprises dividers interposed between each pair of consecutive columns of splice retention elements. The dividers are preferably arranged to divide the area between the pair of consecutive columns into at least two substantially non-overlapping funnel-shaped portions having their opening facing one or more retaining elements of adjacent splices of a column and its mouth facing a single passage of fibers of the other column. For example, as shown in Figure 2, in tray T an area of division DA, between the first column C1 and the second column C2 comprises four dividers D1, D2, D3, D4. The divider D1 defines a first substantially funnel-shaped portion with an opening facing the retaining elements SH11, SH21 of splices and a mouth facing the passageway FP12 of fibers. Dividers D1 and D2 define a second substantially funnel-shaped portion with an opening facing the retaining elements SH12 -SH42 of splices and a mouth facing the passageway

FP11 fiber. Dividers D2 and D3 define a third substantially funnel-shaped portion with an opening facing the retaining elements SH31 -SH61 of splices and a mouth facing the passageway FP22 of fibers. Dividers D3 and D4 define a fourth substantially funnel-shaped portion with an opening facing the retaining elements SH52 -SH82 of splices and a mouth facing the passageway FP21 of fibers. The divider D4 and the upper side wall of the surface S define a substantially funnel-shaped fifth portion with an opening facing the retaining elements SH71 and SH81 of splices and a mouth facing the fiber path FP32.

Dividers D1, D2, D3, D4 may have straight portions and / or curved portions. By way of example, in the tray T, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the dividers D1, D2, D3, D4 have two curved portions according to an "S" profile, the radius of bending of each curved portion equal to or greater than the predefined minimum bending radius mentioned above.

Preferably, in addition to the dividers, the area of division DA, can also comprise guide projections GP1, GP2. The dividers D1, D2, D3, D4 and the projections GP1, GP2 advantageously facilitate the operation of arranging the lengths of the optical fibers with their respective splices inside the tray T without overlapping the lengths of optical fibers, as will be described. in more detail herein below.

The splice retention area A1 preferably comprises also guide elements arranged outside the columns of the splice retention elements and the fiber passageways. In particular, the splice retention area A1 comprises a first column of guide elements located to the left of the leftmost column and that includes a guide element for each splice retention element and for each passageway of fibers of the leftmost column. In addition, the splice retention area A1 preferably comprises a second column of guide elements located to the right of the rightmost column and that includes a guide element for each splice retention element and for each fiber path of the rightmost column.

For example, in tray T the splice retention area A1 comprises a first column GE1 of ten guiding elements GE1-1, GE2-1, ..., GE10-1 (eight for splicing elements SH11 -SH81 plus two for the passageways FP11, fiber FP21) located to the left of the first column C1 (see Figure 2a) and a second column GE2 of the eleven elements GE1-2, GE2-2, ..., GE11-2 guide (eight for the guide elements SH12-SH82 plus three for the passageways FP12, PF22, PF32 of fibers) located to the right of the second column C2 (see Figure 2b). The guide elements GE1-1, GE2-1, ..., GE10-1, GE1-2, GE2-2, ..., GE11-2 are preferably located properly to guide fiber optic lengths leaving the joints housed in the retaining elements SH11-SH81 and SH12-SH82 of joints to the area A2 of fiber winding. Each element GE1-1, GE2-1, ..., GE10-1, GE1-2, GE2-2, ..., GE11-2 preferably has a straight portion and a curved portion. The curved portion preferably has a bending radius equal to or greater than the predefined minimum bending radius mentioned above. The elements GE1-1, GE2-1, ... GE10-1, GE1-2, GE2-2, ... GE11-2 preferably have retention tabs (visible in Figures 3a and 3b) suitable for retaining the fiber optic lengths arranged in the elements GE1, GE2, ... GE10-1, GE1-2, GE2-2, ..., GE11-2 guide.

With reference to Figure 4, the manner in which fiber optic lengths with their splices can be arranged in tray T and, in particular, in area A1 of splice retention of tray T will be described in detail below. It is based on the fact that tray T is used to house sixteen F1-F16 lengths of optical fibers with their respective splices (for example, fusion splices or mechanical splices). The arrangement of the F1-F16 lengths of optical fibers with their respective splices will be described starting from the left-most side of the splice retention area A1 and following the trajectories of the F1-F16 lengths of optical fibers through the area A1 of splice retention to its rightmost side. This is done simply for reasons of clarity in the description, and does not necessarily mean that an operator necessarily has to arrange the F1-F16 lengths of optical fibers starting from the leftmost side of the splice retention area A1.

More preferably, two lengths F1, F2 of optical fibers from the fiber winding area A2 through the inlet guide channel, GC-IN, enter the splice retention area A1 through the elements GE1- 1, GE2-1, respectively, of guide, and their joints are housed in the retaining elements SH11, SH21 of joints, respectively. The two lengths F1, F2 of optical fibers are then grouped and conducted together through the fiber path FP12. The lengths F1, F2 of optical fibers finally exit the splice retention area A1 through the guide element GE1-2, and return to the fiber winding area A2 through the other internal guide channel, GC-IN.

In addition, four lengths F3 to F6 of optical fibers from the area A2 of fiber winding through the internal guide channel, GC-IN, internally, preferably, enter the area A1 of splice retention through the element GE3-1 guide and are conducted together through the fiber path FP11. The four lengths F3 to F6 of optical fibers are then ungrouped and their splices are housed in their retaining elements SH12 to SH42, respectively, of splices. The lengths F3 to F6 of optical fibers

finally, they exit the splice retention area A1 through the guide elements GE2-2 to GE5-2, respectively, and return to the fiber winding area A2 through the internal guide channel, GC-IN.

In addition, four lengths F7 to F10 of optical fibers from the fiber winding area A2 through the internal guide channel, GC-IN, enter the splice retention area A1 through the elements GE4-1 to GE7- 1 guide, respectively, and its splices are housed in the retaining elements SH31 to SH61 of splices, respectively. The four lengths F7 to F10 of optical fibers are then grouped and conducted together through the fiber path FP22. The lengths F7 to F10 of optical fibers finally exit the splice retention area A1 through the guide element GE6-2, and return to the fiber winding area A2 through the internal guide channel, GC-IN.

In addition, four lengths F11 to F14 of optical fibers from the fiber winding area A2 through the internal guide channel, GC-IN, preferably enter the splice retention area A1 through the element GE8-1 guide and are conducted together through the fiber path FP21. The four lengths F11 to F144 of optical fibers are then ungrouped and their splices are housed in the retaining elements SH52 to SH82 of splices, respectively. The lengths F11 to F14 of optical fibers finally exit the splice retention area A1 through the guide elements GE27-2 to GE210-2, respectively, and return to the fiber winding area A2 through the internal guide channel , GC-IN

Finally, the two lengths F15, F16 of optical fibers from the fiber winding area A2 through the internal guide channel, GC-IN, enter the splice retention area A1 through the elements GE9-1, GE10 -1 of guide, respectively, and their splices are housed in retaining elements SH71, SH81 of splices, respectively. The two lengths F15, F16 of optical fibers are then grouped and conducted together through the fiber path FP32. The lengths F15, F16 of optical fibers finally exit the splice retention area A1 through the guide element GE11-2, and return to the fiber winding area A2 through the internal guide channel, GC-IN.

When the splicing optical fiber arrangement operation is completed, therefore, each splice is disposed in a respective splice retaining element of either the first column C1 or the second column C2.

For each splice housed in the first column C1, a first fiber optic length exits the splice on its left side and runs to area A2 through elements GE1-1, GE2-1, GE4-1, ..,. GE7-1, GE9-1, and GE10-1 guide, while a second length of optical guide exits the junction on its right, surrounds the second column C2 through the passageways FP12, FP22, FP32 fiber and It runs to area A2 through the GE1-2, GE6-2 and GE11-2 guide elements. For each splice housed in the second column C2, a second fiber optic length exits the splice on its right side and runs to area A2 through the elements GE2-2, ..., GE5-2, GE7-2, ..., Guide GE9-2, while a second fiber optic length exits the splice on its right side, surrounds the second column C2 through the fiber path FP11, FP21 and runs to area A2 through the elements GE3-1 and GE8-1 guide.

Thus, advantageously, up to sixteen fiber optic lengths with their respective splices can be arranged in the splice retention area A1, without overlapping each other. Indeed, the optical fiber with its splices housed in the retention elements housed in the first column C1 (that is, F1, F2, F7 to F10, F15, 16) advantageously surround the second column C2 without overlapping with the other lengths of fiber optic, thanks to the FP12, FP22 and FP32 fiber path arranged in the second column C2. Similarly, the fiber optic lengths with their splices housed in the splice retention elements of the second column C2 (that is, F3 to F6 and F11 to F14) advantageously surround the first column C1 without overlapping with the other fiber lengths optical, thanks to the passageways FP11, FP21 arranged in the first column C1.

Avoiding overlap between the lengths F1 to F16 of fiber optic advantageously guarantees its accessibility. Therefore, each individual fiber optic length with its respective splice can be advantageously manipulated (for example, removed from tray T or added to tray T) without the need to move the other fiber optic lengths in tray T. Likewise Advantageously, the friction-induced microflexion and wear losses between the fiber optic lengths arranged in the T tray are minimized.

Figure 5 schematically shows another arrangement of splice retention elements and fiber passageways for a tray according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

This arrangement comprises twenty-four splice retention elements arranged on three columns. In particular, this arrangement comprises eight retaining elements SH11 -SH81 of joints arranged on a first column C1, eight retention elements SH12 -SH82 of joints arranged on a second column C2, and eight retention elements SH13 -SH83 of joints arranged on a third column C3. The first column C1 comprises a single fiber path FP11 arranged in the center of the first column C1 (that is, between the retaining elements SH41 and SH51 splicing). The second column C2 comprises three passageways FP32, FP22 and FP32 of fibers arranged in symmetrical positions along the second column C2, in particular at the ends of the column (outside the retaining elements SH12 and

SH82 splice) and in the center of the second column C2 (that is, between the retaining elements SH42 and SH52 splice). The third column C3 comprises two passageways FP13, PF23 of fibers arranged in symmetrical positions along the third column C3, in particular at the ends of the column (outside the retaining elements SH13 and SH83 splicing).

The area between the first column C1 and the second column C2 comprises two dividers D11, D21 that divide this area into three substantially non-overlapping funnel-shaped portions: a first portion (outside the divider D11) has an opening facing the SH11-SH41 retaining elements for splicing and a mouth facing the fiber path FP12; a second portion (between dividers D11 and D21) has an opening facing the splicing retaining elements SH12 -SH82 and the fiber path FP22, and an opening facing the fiber path FP11; and a third portion (outside the divider D21) has an opening facing the retaining elements SH51, SH81 splicing and a mouth facing the fiber path FP32.

Similarly, the area between the second column C2 and the third column C3 comprises two dividers D12, D22 that divide this area into three substantially non-overlapping funnel-shaped portions: a first portion (outside the divider D12) has a opening facing the retaining elements SH12 -SH42 of splice and the fiber path FP12 and a mouth facing the fiber path FP13, a second portion (between the dividers D12 and D22) has an opening facing the retaining elements SH13, SH23 splicing and a mouth facing the fiber path FP22; and a third portion (outside the divider D22) has an opening facing the splicing retaining elements SH52 -SH82 and the fiber path FP32, and a mouth facing the fiber path FP32.

Next, the way in which the fiber optic lengths and their splices can be arranged in a tray comprising the arrangement of splice retention elements and the fiber passageways shown in Figure 5 will be described in detail. the basis that the tray is used to accommodate twenty-four F1-F24 lengths of optical fibers with their respective splices (eg, fusion splices or mechanical splices). Also in this case, the description will start from the leftmost side of the arrangement shown in Figure 5 and will follow the paths of the optical fiber lengths through the arrangement to its rightmost side. However, this is simply for reasons of clarity in the description, and does not necessarily mean that an operator necessarily has to arrange the F1-F24 lengths of optical fibers starting from the leftmost side.

Preferably, four lengths F1 to F4 of optical fibers from the fiber winding area (not shown in Figure 5) have their splices housed in the retaining elements SH11 to SH41, respectively. The four lengths F1 to F4 of optical fibers are then grouped and conducted together through the fiber path FP12, so that they surround the second column C2.

In addition, sixteen lengths F5 to F20 of optical fibers from the fiber winding area (not shown in Figure 5) are conducted together through the fiber path FP11, so that they surround the first column C1. Then, eight of these sixteen lengths F5 to F20 of fibers are not grouped for example, lengths F5 to F9 and F17 to F20 of optical fibers), and their splices are housed in the retaining elements SH12 to SH82, respectively . The remaining eight lengths F9 to F16 of bundled optical fibers are conducted through the fiber path FP22, so that they surround the second column C2.

At the exit of the second column C2, four lengths F5 to F8 of optical fibers from the retaining elements SH12 to SH42 are grouped with the four lengths F1 to F4 of optical fiber from the passageway F12 of fiber and they are conducted together through the fiber path FP13, so that they surround the third column C3 and return to the fiber winding area (not shown in Figure 5).

In addition, the eight lengths F9 to F16 of fiber optic grouped out of the path FP22 of fiber are not grouped, and their splices are housed by the retaining elements SH13 to SH83 of splice. They then return to the fiber winding area (not shown in Figure 5).

Finally, four lengths F17 to F20 of optical fiber coming from the retaining elements SH52 to SH82 of splicing are grouped with the four lengths F21 to F24 of optical fiber coming from the fiber path FP32 and then conducted together through the FP23 fiber passageway so that they surround the third column C3 and return to the fiber winding area (not shown in Figure 5).

When the splicing optical fibers arrangement operation is completed, therefore, each splice is arranged in a respective splice retaining element of either the first column C1, the second column C2 or the third column C3.

For each splice housed in the first column C1, a first length of each optic fiber exits the splice on its left side and runs to area A2, while a second length of each optic fiber exits the splice on its right side, surrounds the second column C2 and third column C3 and runs to area A2. For each splice housed in the second column C2, a first length of the optical fiber exits the splice on its left side, surrounds the first column C1 and runs to the area A2, while a second length of optical fiber exits the splice through its right side, surrounds the third column C3 and runs to area A2. For each splice housed in the third column C3, a first length of fiber optic leaves the splice on its left side, surrounds the second column C2 and the first column C1 and runs to the area A2, while a second length of fiber optic leaves from the junction on its right side and runs to area A2.

5 Therefore, advantageously, in this second embodiment up to twenty-four lengths of optical fiber with their respective splices can be arranged, without overlapping each other. Indeed, the fiber optic lengths with their splices housed in the splice retention elements of the first column C1 (that is, F1 to F4 and F21 to F24) advantageously surround the second column C2 through the passageways FP12 , Fiber FP32 and the third column C3 through the pathways FP13, fiber FP23 without overlapping each other

10 fiber optic lengths. Similarly, the fiber optic lengths with their splices housed in the splice retaining elements of the second column C2 (that is, F5 to F8 and F17 to F20) advantageously surround the first column C1 through the passageway FP11 fiber and the third column C3 through the FP13, FP23 fiber pathways without overlapping with the other fiber optic lengths. Similarly the fiber optic lengths with their splices housed in the splice retention elements of the third column C3

15 (that is, F9 to F16) advantageously surround the first column C1 through the fiber path FP11 and the second column C2 through the fiber path FP22.

Likewise, the tray according to this second embodiment guarantees, therefore, advantageously, the accessibility of the fiber optic lengths and the splices housed therein, and allows the minimization of induced microflexion and wear losses. by friction between fiber optic lengths

20 arranged inside.

Other arrangements (not shown in the drawings) may be incorporated, in which each column of splice retention elements comprises passageways arranged in positions not symmetrical to the lake of the column. For example, an arrangement not shown in the drawings may comprise N columns of splice retaining elements, each column comprising a single fiber passageway disposed at its end. The

25 passageways of consecutive column fibers are arranged at opposite ends of the columns. The resulting arrangement (in the specific case of two columns) can be derived from the arrangement of Figure 5, considering only the splice retaining elements SH11 -SH41 and the fiber path FP11 of the first column C1 and the path of Fiber FP12 step and SH12 -SH42 retaining elements of splice of second column C2.

Claims (14)

1. A tray (T) for accommodating optical fiber splices comprising a splice retention area (A1) comprising a plurality of splice retention elements; wherein said plurality of splice retaining elements is arranged in accordance with a two-dimensional arrangement comprising at least a first column (C1) and a second column (C2), in which:

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said first column (C1) comprises a plurality of first retaining elements (SH11-SH81) of adjacent splice and a first fiber path (FP11, FP21) adjacent to said plurality of splice retaining elements (SH11-SH81) adjacent, and suitable to accommodate lengths of a plurality of first fibers (F3-F6, F11-F14) optical to surround said first column (C1);

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said second column (C2) comprises a plurality of second retaining elements (SH12-SH82) of splicing and a second passageway (FP12, FP22, FP32) of fibers adjacent to said plurality of second retaining elements (SH12-SH82) adjacent splicing and suitable for accommodating lengths of a plurality of second fibers (F1-F2, F7-F10, F15-F16) to surround said second column (C2);

characterized in that said splice retention area (A1) further comprises at least one divider (D1, D2, D3, D4) interposed between said first column (C1) and said second column (C2), said at least one divider (D1 being said , 2, D3, D4) arranged to divide an area between said first column (C1) and said second column (C2) into at least a first funnel-shaped portion and a second funnel-shaped portion, said first not being superimposed funnel-shaped portion and said second funnel-shaped portion, said first funnel-shaped portion having an opening facing said first passageway (FP11, FP21) of fibers and an opening facing said plurality of second retention elements (SH12-SH82) of adjacent splices, and said second funnel-shaped portion having an opening facing said second passageway (FP12, FP22, FP32) of fibers and a mouthpiece facing said plurality of first retaining elements (SH11-SH21) of adjacent splices. 2. The tray (T) according to claim 1, wherein said first fiber path (FP11) and said second fiber path (FP12) are three-way. 3. The tray (T) according to claim 2, wherein said first column (C1) comprises two fiber passageways (FP11, FP2) located in intermediate positions along said first column (C1) and said second column (C2) comprises three second passageways (FP12, PF22, PF32) of fiber located at a first end, in the center and at a second end of said second column (C2), respectively, in which the Fiber passageways are associated with non-overlapping dividers, each divider presenting a funnel-shaped portion located between said first column and said second column and having an opening facing the respective fiber passageway and a mouth facing towards a plurality of splice retaining elements on the column opposite the column of the respective passageway. 4. The tray (T) according to claim 2, wherein said first column (C1) comprises said first passageway (FP11) of fibers located in the center of said first column (C1), and said second column (C2) comprises two fiber passageways (FP12, FP32) located at opposite ends of said second column (C2), in which the fiber pathways are associated with non-overlapping dividers, each divider having a portion funnel-shaped between said first column and said second column and having an opening facing the respective fiber passageway and a mouth facing a plurality of splice retaining elements arranged on the first column opposite the column of He passed. 5. The tray (T) according to claim 2, wherein said first column (C1) comprises said first fiber passageway located at one end of said first column (C1), and said second column (C2 ) comprises said second fiber passageway located at an opposite end of said second column (C2). 6. The tray (T) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first column (C1) and said second column (C2) are located at a reciprocal distance, so that the paths followed by said plurality of said first optical fibers (F3-F6, F11-F14) and said plurality of second optical fibers (F12, F7-F10, F15-F16) have a minimum bending radius greater than or equal to a predefined minimum bending radius. 7. The tray (T) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said splice retention area (A1) further comprises guide projections (GP1, GP2) disposed between said first column (C1) and said second column (C2). The tray (T) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a surface (S), said surface (S) comprising said splice retention area (A1) and a winding area (A2) fiber 9. The tray (T) according to claim 8, wherein said splice retention area (A1) and said fiber winding area (A2) are adjacent non-overlapping areas divided by a dividing line substantially parallel to a length of said surface (S). 10. The tray (T) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said surface (S) has external guide channels (GC-OUT) that run in close proximity to a periphery of said surface (S ). 11. The tray (T) according to claim 10, wherein said external guide channels (GC-OUT) enclose said splice retention area (A1) and said fiber winding area (A2). 12. The tray (T) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said external guide channels (GC-OUT) have at least one separation and fixing comb (SC). 13. The tray (T) according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein said fiber winding area (A2) has internal guide channels (GC-IN). 14. The tray (T) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one joint configured to fix said tray (T) to a base of an optical transition box, and to allow said tray (T ) rotate between a first position in which, at least partially, it covers said base and 15 a second position, in which it allows free access to said base. 15.-An optical transition box comprising a base, a cover and a tray (T) articulated with said base and configured to rotate between a first position in which, at least partially, it covers said base and a second position, in which allows free access to said base, said optical transition box being characterized in that said tray (T) is in accordance with any of claims 1 to 14.